S-22720-0-1

383 N1961 Norton 750cc ‘Domiracer’Replica Racing MotorcycleEngine no. 20M3/131082Following the introduction of the race-proven Featherbed frame onits road-going Dominator twin for 1952, Norton began experimentingwith a racing version for use in production-based AMA racing in theUSA. Some creditable results were achieved in 1953 but it would beanother eight years before the factory revived the notion of a race bikebased on the roadster twin. Development was supervised by ChiefEngineer Doug Hele, who was convinced that the twin’s advantagesof a lighter, smoother and more compact engine would pay dividendsif the unit was installed in a modified Featherbed frame. A new versionof the latter was produced, 2.5” lower than that of the single-cylinderManx and equipped with proportionately shortened Roadholder forks.Christened ‘Domiracer’, Hele’s creation was entered in the 1961 Isleof Man Senior TT, though critics gave little for its chances when pittedagainst pukka racing machinery. Despite the general scepticism,Australian Tom Phillis brought the Domiracer home in a magnificent 3rdplace behind the Manx Nortons of Mike Hailwood and Bob MacIntyre,lapping at 100.36mph in the process.This promising debut ought to have heralded the introduction of anover-the-counter version, but Norton decided to stick with the Manxand the Domiracer project was shelved. Following the AMC takeoverand Norton’s relocation to Woolwich in 1963, the bikes and spareswere sold off to Reg Dearden and Paul Dunstall, the latter using theDomiracer to good effect as an ideal way of publicising his tuning andaccessory business. In Grand Prix racing, Austrian Rudi Thalhammerbuilt and rode his own Domiracer in the early 1960s with a measureof success, but these private efforts, although worthy, were verymuch less than the Domiracer deserved.This Domiracer replica was constructed and raced by Franz Schleifer,one of Germany’s leading Norton specialists, around 20 years ago.It was purchased by the current vendor, a prominent German privatecollector, around 15 years ago and has been used for hill climbing.£8,000 - 12,000€11,000 - 17,000142 | the spring stafford saleBidders must satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each lotprior to bidding. All lots are sold “as is/where is” with all defects and faults.